- Senate Republicans says they’ll withhold their support for the National Defense Authorization Act if they don’t get a vote on ending the military’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for service members.
-
Seven GOP senators made the vow, saying they would withhold the support if leaders of the Democrat-led chamber don’t allow a floor vote on their proposal.
- The senators’ effort could delay final passage of the annual bill, which Congress has consistently passed, but it would not prevent the Senate from eventually voting on the legislation.
- The seven are Sens. Mike Braun, of Indiana; Ted Cruz, of Texas; Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina; Ron Johnson, of Wisconsin; Mike Lee, of Utah; Rand Paul, of Kentucky; and Rick Scott, of Florida.
- Graham says military recruitment had suffered as a result of vaccination requirements that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made mandatory last year for all service members. The requirement applies to all active duty and Ready Reserve service members including the National Guardsmen.
- “The problem here is that we’re having a dilemma we haven’t had in decades – and that’s finding enough people serving,” Graham said.
Trending
GOP Senators Try To Block Defense Spending To Get Vote on Military Vaxing
Seven GOP senators have vowed to withhold support for the National Defense Authorization Act
